The new grinder will be available – at least internationally (at first?) – in three sizes: 100mm (4″), 115mm (4-1/2″), and 125mm (5″).

Makita says that the new grinder will deliver excellent performance as powerful as an AC model. Brushless motors are more efficient than brushed motors (read more about this in Brushless Motors 101), allowing for a balance between greater runtime and corded-like performance.

The new grinders have an ergonomic grip design with rubber overmolding, a slide switch, built-in battery fuel gauge, an automatic speed control (Makita says this is an industry-first), an integrated dust screen, and a soft start motor.

There is also an anti-restart function that prevents the tool from automatically starting if a battery is attached while the slide switch is in the on position.

The automatic speed control is also particularly interesting, as it adjusts the speed according to load condition. This allows the tool to adjust between high speed and high torque applications to deliver maximum performance.

Models:

DGA404: 4″

DGA454/XAG03: 4-1/2″

DGA504: 5″

No-load speed is 8,500 RPM for all models.

Right now, all three Makita 18V brushless angle grinder models feature a slide switch. There doesn’t seem to be any paddle switch version, at least not one I could find information on.

USA release is uncertain, but the 4-1/2″ and 5″ grinders are already listed in Makita Canada’s online catalog. If I had to guess, I would say that they probably are planned for release in the USA, but some tools (such as Makita’s heated jacket) have been released in Canada but not here.

Update: The grinders are already starting to become available via US distributors.

The automatic speed control, anti-restart function, and lower maintenance brushless motor definitely help the new models stand out from the competition.

Cody is correct. Only the 4.5″ slide switch version (xag03z or xag03m) have been released in the US. Several suppliers have them listed already.. Bishop Tool has them up in their ebay store, $160 with free shipping for the bare tool

Hopefully the brushless model works way better than the original LXT grinder. I wasn’t impressed with the regular model. I’m not sure I would like the auto speed control. And I like the thumb slide, I’m not a paddle grinder kinda guy. If it works similarly to the ac model I would be impressed.

We had about 60 Makita drills, 40 recip saws, probably the same number of jig saw and many other LXT tools – even about 5 or 6 concrete vibrators – but I think only 1 of the grinders. The guys that tried it hated it because it constantly stalled out. I’m hoping that brushless technology solves the problem.